Matilda JR

Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Company

Matilda JR as seen by Debi Weaver (NODA South West District 13 & 16) on Saturday 11th December 2021 at Chippenham Sodbury Town Hall.

The recently released license for the Broadway Junior adaptation of Matilda the Musical has been a long time coming, and I was very much looking forward to seeing Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Company’s’ performance of this extremely popular show. I was not disappointed, what a bunch of extremely talented young people took to the stage on Saturday to perform three shows in the one day.

The scenery was simple but highly effective, with some well-co-ordinated “boxogrophy” informing us of each scene location and used as chairs/desks etc eliminating the need for excessive set dressing which worked well with the numbers on stage.

Matilda captured the character very well, with a lovely voice. Miss Trunchbull and was suitably frightening and deserved the boos at the end. Miss Honey had a beautiful voice. I am disappointed that My House is not included in the Junior Version as I am certain the young actress would have sung that beautifully. Mr and Mrs Wormwood were fabulous throughout, with their monosyllabic son Michael making me giggle numerous times. We had a hilarious Rudolpho. Mrs Phelps performed well reacting to Matilda’s stories. The Acrobat and Escapologist acted out the stories Matilda tells effectively. Also well done to Sergie on the Russian accent certainly not an easy one.

The ensemble was well drilled, and performed the choreography well, with some lovely singing. The children playing Lavender, Bruce, Nigella, Erica, and Amanda all performed their roles extremely well.

 

These comments solely reflect the view of the Representative and can only relate to the performance seen.

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